Are we going to be expedited by NVC or not?

[RichiJenny 14]

I never did any sign in stuff at nvc. Did they process anything there for you?

Great news I'd say next week maybe the end of you should be assigned an interview date. Drop them a line and ring to see if they've received the master file next week. If my timelines anything to go by - 2 or 3 weeks and you're on your way home mate.

I'm really pleased for you.

[Paloma&Adam 1]

I never did any sign in stuff at nvc. Did they process anything there for you?

Great news I'd say next week maybe the end of you should be assigned an interview date. Drop them a line and ring to see if they've received the master file next week. If my timelines anything to go by - 2 or 3 weeks and you're on your way home mate.

I'm really pleased for you.

Thanks mate, couldn't have done it without your advice

We never sent any documents to the NVC , besides the DS-3032. The wife just needs to send all her documents across the Atlantic to me now..

Do you have a confirmed flight yet? Looking forwards to the day next week when you tell us you're reunited with your wife mate. I hope she's doing well.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Paloma&Adam

[RichiJenny 14]

Thanks mate, she's ok. Its the cold weather that gets to her lungs, otherwise shes fitter than me! lol

Yep, flying out of Heathrow oin Tuesday morning, so its all finalised. The brown envelope which contains all the documents submitted and our file/medical AND waiver is so heavy its unreal. Pretty much no room for hand luggage now cos that mother has got to be in my possession all the time.

Prices arent too bad - about 360 quid on a return flight - which I wont use the return - unless Im in the dog house as soon as I get back lol. but 1 way single tickets are ridiculously expensive plus the idea of flying air portugal doesnt appeal as much as BA, who i think are excellent.

Im glad I could help a bit mate - and thats fantastic news you're onto the final stage.

have you had the medical yet? it makes for a nice day out lol.

The embassy stage is a piece of cake, you line up outside most people begin lining up about 730am, have your passport and letter from the embassy confirming the interview in your hand. Travel as light as you can, leave you electrical goods at a pharmacy called Goulds - about 30-40 yards down the street ( the cops outside will point you in the right direction). Its 3 quid to leave an item there, and the embassy are strict as you go thru airport style scanners ( even a cd isnt allowed to be taken in).

As you go in they'll stick a label with a number on the back of your passport, and you go sit down. Then watch the screen and wait for you number to be called. Im pretty all of the DCF/NVC section filers are called down the corridor on the right. Once they call your number, you go to the window, they'll ask for all AOS/IV packages bit by bit while you stand there handing it to them. Then they'll go ask you to pay the $404 dollars at the window to your left. You can pay by gbp, visa or usd. Then go back to the window and finish off the NVC section with them asking for probably just the last 1 year tax return. As thats then done (takes ten mins at the most), you go back, sit down in the hall/waiting area again and will be called again shortly (I waited about 20 mins) for your interview.

You swear an oath to tell the truth etc, and they'll ask you a few questions and then make a decision (approval) in your case

They'll give you a form which you fill in your details about how you want your passport delivered back to you from the courier. Its about 15 quid or so - plus an extra 6 quid if you want your passport delivered before mid-day. They say 5-10 days for you to have it returned, but Ive known people have it back in a couple of days - nine days.

Then you're all set and can go and have a pint!

[Paloma&Adam 1]

Thanks for the heads up mate.

I'll be having the medical exam soon, can't wait!

Good luck with your flight on tuesday. You can relax now and hopefully enjoy the flight. I'm sure everything at POE should go smoothly. I was quite surprised to learn that it can take a good couple of hours to be processed at POE. Do you have CR-1 or IR-1 status? I will be arriving on a CR-1 so 90 days before the 2 year POE anniversary is certainly a date i'm gonna have to remember. Might even consider sticking abit of paper with the all important date on the ceiling above the bed when I get there so it gets ingrained into my memory lol

[RichiJenny 14]

Couple of hours!! OH NO! Where did you hear that mate? Ive heard anything from ten mins to half an hour, I really hope it doesnt take 2 hours, that'll finish me off!

Thanks mate, I do hope it goes smoothly though.

Yes, Im on a CR1, and only have a couple or months ago before i'll have to start more paperwork!!

[Paloma&Adam 1]

Couple of hours!! OH NO! Where did you hear that mate? Ive heard anything from ten mins to half an hour, I really hope it doesnt take 2 hours, that'll finish me off!

Thanks mate, I do hope it goes smoothly though.

Yes, Im on a CR1, and only have a couple or months ago before i'll have to start more paperwork!!

Why do you need to start more paperwork so soon mate?

Yes, I read through the various POE reviews, and tried to identify those who have gone through on immigrant visas. Alot of them took quite sometime. You get taken aside into a separate immigration area apparently. Seems most take about an hour on average but some have taken 2 hours or more. With your I-601 paperwork, it could take longer than you anticipate mate. Things may be quicker more recently, but I've read several reviews that recommend allowing plenty of time between any connecting flights. Sorry to get you worried! You'll probably end up being fine, but I know I'll be allowing a good couple of hours between my connecting flight when I go.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Paloma&Adam

[Paloma&Adam 1]

Some do take about 30 minutes, but you don't really know how much of your paperwork they'll scrupulously review before sending you on your way. I see you're gonna POE at Newark, doesn't seem so bad there. I'll be going through Atlanta and I bet that'll be slower being the worlds busiest airport.